Opinion on these 2 cushions

[c0ldfuziom]

Hi guys,

Noobie here looking for a cushion stone for a halo setting e-ring. I'm after a 1ct Square Cushion, Ex Cut & Polish, Ex/VG Symmetry, F-H Colour, VS1/VS2 Clarity. Budget is between $5k - $6k.

Just wondering what your opinions are re these two stones from JA?

(1) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1509839.asp

(2)http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1509839.asp

Would really appreciate any suggestions/advice from the many experts here. Thanks!

 

[tyty333]

You posted the same one twice and I'm pretty sure that stone has issues.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Yes, that is not an attractive cushion, in my opinion. It is also very deep and the stone faces up rather small.

Examples of nice modern cushions:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9317/

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.10-carat-f-vs2-x-factor-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-93680.html

 

[Gypsy]

That first one is, if you'll pardon the expression, a dog.
The ones diamondseeker posted are better. But the one below is better than both of those even, has higher color, and is cheaper than both of them.

Buy this one: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1465429.asp Gorgeous, great faceting, and great light performance.

 

[c0ldfuziom]

Oops sorry guys...my bad!

Thanks so much for your advice!

Here's the link for the 2nd stone:

(2) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1518683.asp

Also saw these while having another look...are they any good?

(3) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1509968.asp

(4) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Very-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1378069.asp

(5) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VVS2-Very-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1346289.asp

Thanks!

 

[Gypsy]

Oops sorry guys...my bad!

Thanks so much for your advice!

Here's the link for the 2nd stone:

(2) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1518683.asp No

Also saw these while having another look...are they any good?

(3) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1509968.asp No

(4) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Very-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1378069.asp No

(5) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VVS2-Very-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1346289.asp Maybe, but I doubt it.

Thanks!

Why didn't you want this one? http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1465429.asp It's a seriously excellent stone.

 

[Gypsy]

If for some reason you don't want that GORGEOUS STONE and is an excellent performer, is perfectly white, and in budget then you can give these a shot (I don't like ANY of them as much as that E VS1 I posted for you though).

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1359451.asp Has a large culet, I don't know how you feel about that.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1279851.asp Check is eyeclean, and at what distance

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS2-Very-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1509983.asp My favorite of this batch

 

[ariel144]

yes, the one that Gypsy posted. Take it from an expert dear.


I would also check with GOG:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9494/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9317/

You need to look at the dimensions (width and length) of the stone to get the largest face up stone for your $$'s. Also cushions can be chunky cuts or splintery cuts so you need to decide which faceting pattern you prefer. I would educate myself on GOG videos before I purchased a cushion. There are so many facet patterns and looks to cushion cut diamonds. Hope this helps ....good luck.

 

[ariel144]

The ones you picked are "dogs" because the faceting under the tables are mushy looking. You can see that from the picture but to get a true idea of how good the light return is you need the ASET image which Gypsy provided on that E VS1. For the price I really don't think you will find better unless you decide on a chunkier cut cushion.

 

[c0ldfuziom]

Thanks for the suggestions guys!

I'm looking for something a little squarer for a halo setting. Is that quite hard to come by as opposed to a rectangular cushion?

 

[ariel144]

Thanks for the suggestions guys!

I'm looking for something a little squarer for a halo setting. Is that quite hard to come by as opposed to a rectangular cushion?

Yes the squarer cushions seem to be most sought after but if you set a more rectangular one E/W (length across the finger) it seems to help it look more square in my opinion. That E VS1 faces up larger than most and still pretty squarish and when placed in the right setting can look very square. I too highly recommend that stone.

 

[c0ldfuziom]

Thanks a lot for the advice...very helpful indeed!

Think I'm gonna go for Gypsy's first recommendation...kudos to Gypsy! Might be stupid question...but should the Medium Blue Fluorescence be a cause for concern? From what I've read, the right amount of Fluorescence will only enhance the Whiteness of the diamond?

Is there anything else I should look out for or ask the JA team? Now I need to find a suitable setting for the stone....I'm thinking of this one from ERD...what do you guys think? Problem is will ERD be ok with me using a stone from JA? Or will I have to get the stone from ERD as well?

Setting:
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/grace-classic-micro-pave-halo-enagement-ring-bpid-58-18.html

 

[Gypsy]

That stone was examined by the gemologist and the florescence has no negative effect. I wouldn't have recommended you buy it (I would have told you to have the gemologist to examine it) otherwise.

ERD is a professional establishment and will be fine working with a stone from JA. There will be a nominal fee for setting an outside stone (100-200), and you will need to get the stone insured prior to setting. The setting you picked out is: lovely, well priced, and well made. Good job! Just know that pave needs care, and maintenance. ERD has very nice pave quality though.

I think you are set. Please come back with pictures for us when you have the ring.